Overview:
Genesis 11:27–32; Acts 7:2–4
Though born in a culture that had all but forgotten the God of the flood and the ark, the man first known as Abram came to know the one, true God so intimately that he was called God’s “friend.” To truly learn from Abraham’s life, we must think what he thought, hear what he heard, feel what he felt, go where he went, and most of all, learn what he learned. Among the many benefits of studying the life of a man of God is the opportunity to discover truths about the God of that man.
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces us to the man first known as Abram, a figure born into a pagan culture that had largely forgotten the God of the flood. Despite these origins, Abram developed such an intimate relationship with the one true God that he became known as His “friend.” Chuck invites us to step into Abram’s shoes—to think what he thought, feel what he felt, and go where he went—to uncover the timeless benefits of a life surrendered to God’s lead.
The focus of this study is the radical nature of a faith that “goes without knowing.” Abram was called to leave the familiarity of his homeland for a destination he had never seen, based solely on the command of a God he was just beginning to know. Through this exploration, we learn that studying the life of a great man of God is ultimately an opportunity to discover the character and faithfulness of the God who called him.
Message Key Facts:
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A Culture of Forgetfulness: Abram was born in Ur of the Chaldeans, a center of idolatry. His call proves that God can reach into any environment to find a heart willing to listen.
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The Friendship of God: The sermon highlights the transition from Abram being a stranger to God to becoming “the friend of God,” a title reflecting deep mutual trust and transparency.
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Radical Obedience: The hallmark of Abram’s life was his willingness to strike out into the unknown (“going”) without needing a detailed map or a guaranteed outcome (“not knowing”).
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Learning Through Observation: Chuck teaches that the primary benefit of studying biblical heroes is what they reveal about the God who empowers and sustains them.
Message References:
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Genesis 11:27–32: Provides the genealogical and geographic background of Abram’s family, his departure from Ur, and their stay in Haran.
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Acts 7:2–4: Stephen’s New Testament summary of Abram’s call, confirming that the “God of glory” appeared to him while he was still in Mesopotamia.
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Hebrews 11:8: A supporting pillar of the “Hall of Faith,” explaining that Abram obeyed by “going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
